An adult with a confirmed measles case may have exposed others to the virus, prior to confirming their diagnosis, at multiple locations throughout Kent, Renton and Tukwila.
Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified of a confirmed measles case in a King County adult, according to a Tuesday, Oct. 28 media release from the agency. The individual was on the same flight as a person with a confirmed case of measles that Public Health previously announced on Oct. 17.
“We believe this latest case was exposed to measles on this flight,” according to Public Health. “This latest case was at Toyota of Renton, Valley Medical Center, YangGuoFu Malatang Restaurant and Disney on Ice at ShoWare Center during their infectious period.”
This is the 12th measles case in Washington state residents this year, along with several other cases that Public Health has responded to in travelers who visited King County.
This individual was vaccinated against measles. Nationally, 92% of cases this year are among people who are unvaccinated, 4% have one dose, and 4% are people with two doses of the MMR vaccine, according to Public Health.
“While it’s possible for someone who’s been vaccinated to get measles, it’s rare,” said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Vaccinated people who get measles are generally less likely to spread it to others and less likely to have severe outcomes. The measles vaccine remains a very effective tool and has been safely used for over 50 years.”
Locations of potential exposure to the public
People infected with measles can spread the disease before they know they are infected and before any rash appears, according to Public Health.
The individual was at the following public locations before being diagnosed with measles. The times include the estimated period when the individual was at the location and two hours after. The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after someone infected with measles leaves the area.
Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles:
• Toyota of Renton
150 SW Seventh St., Renton
Oct. 22, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Watch for symptoms until Oct. 29-Nov. 13
• Toyota of Renton
Oct. 23, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Watch for symptoms until Oct. 30 to Nov. 13
• Toyota of Renton
Oct. 24, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Watch for symptoms until Oct. 31-Nov. 14
• YangGuoFu Mala Tang restaurant
16860 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila
Oct. 25, 4 to 7 p.m.
Watch for symptoms until Nov. 1-15
• ShoWare Center
625 W. James St., Kent
Disney on Ice Le’s Dance show
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Watch for symptoms until Nov. 2-16
• Valley Medical Center
400 S. 43rd St., Renton
Emergency Department entrance and waiting rooms
Oct. 26-27, 8:10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Watch for symptoms until Nov. 2-17
What to do if you were in a location
Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low, according to Public Health. However, anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:
• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
• Call a health care provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.
If you were at the locations during the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick would be between Oct. 29 and Nov. 17. People who are immuno-compromised may take longer to experience symptoms.
About measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, according to Public Health. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.
Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.
Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or death.
Complications from measles can happen even in healthy people, but those at highest risk include infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems from medications or underlying disease.
If you are in one of these high-risk groups and were exposed to measles at one of these locations, be sure to contact your health care provider to discuss any steps you need to take to protect yourself or loved ones against complications from measles.
Measles is preventable with the safe and highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and that protection is long lasting.
For more information about measles and measles vaccination and this latest case, including where to get vaccinated, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/measles.
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